WHY CAN'T I DELETE MY PROJECT COMPLETELY? What is RETIRE?

[poeticmentor]

My first copy and I published the wrong version of my book and I want it completely deleted with no distribution. I allowed it to go public for about two days before I realized it was the wrong copy. How do I recall any copies that may have been sold or downloaded? I made ebooks so..How do I know how many actually went out? I tried to delete it off my account completely and it says I CANNOT DELETE through my files, yet it has been RETIRED.? Please help I am new to LuLU and upon reading some of these discussions I am a little weary about a few things, yet I have not had a bad experience either. Never the less this is my first true question. It may be a simple answer or more technical. I appreciate any responses.

Kindly,

first timer.

[monicaart]

Hi Poetic, I tried to delete a book that I made, but could only "retire". Never sold a copy. Would this be due to the lulu isbn? I'd like to know the answer too.

[Maggie]

If the book is published, you are often only allowed to retire it.

[poeticmentor]

Hi monicaart.  Thanks for responding. but i just got an email that reads

1. Log on to Connect.
2. Click My Profile.
3. Click the Subscriptions & Bookmarks tab.
4. Change your settings and click Save Changes.

ok i never seen a "MY PROFILE" only MY LuLu.(be specific please)

once I am there I have to search for options.  find the cancel my account option only. and even then the book remains on the server for those who may have purchased it to continue downloading. I want it unavailable immediately.   Also I am not sure if it has to do with the ISBN because my book was only posted for 3days and I have not recieved any ISBN assignment. not to my knowledge anyway.

I am still wanting an explaination on "RETIRE" and how I can delete the project ONLY and not my account. but if that what it  takes i will!

[TheresaMMoore]

You will have to basically "revise" the book, "create a new revision", then go back all the way to the beginning of the project and delete the source and cover files. Then save as "draft" by not completing the process. That is the ONLY way you will be able to remove your book from distribution completely. Otherwise, it will just be retired. If you used a Lulu ISBN I'm afraid you are SOL. If you repost the right version, you will have to pay all distribution fees as assessed.

[Belinda D'Alessandro]

Quote: "I am still wanting an explaination on "RETIRE" and how I can delete the project ONLY and not my account. but if that what it  takes i will!"

Since Lulu is a US company based in the US, it's an IRS requirement that Lulu keep a copy of all files related to a book which has been purchased.

So,even if you've ever purchased a proof and never sold a copy other than to yourself to purchase a proof copy, then you'll only ever be able to retire a project and not delete it. If you've purchased a proof, then you'll only be able to retire a project, not delete it as the IRS requires Lulu to keep tax records of books (including the relevant files to get the book printed) which have been purchased through the Lulu shopping cart.

The simple answer is that Lulu doesn't mess with the tax man, as there are only 3 certainties in life: death, taxes and the tax man will come after you if you try to mess with him.

[kids_stuff]

Books with ISBNs cannot be truly deleted. Trouble is, many people have swore blind that even test projects which were not bought, did not have an ISBN and were deleted very soon after their being published, also could not be deleted. If yours is the latter, then I would suggest firing off an email to Support.

KS

[kevinlomas]

Even in Retired they will still remain on Amazon as No longer in print. What the point of that is I have no idea, it is very annoying and unprofessional looking. I have found that hey can get on to Amazon even without a Lulu ISBN. Once 'in use' in that manner they can never be deleted just Retired, however, the files used to create the book will remain in Lulu's servers forever, as I found, even files never used for anything!